RIYADH — Saudi crude oil exports soared in September to their highest level since the outbreak of the Iran-US war nearly seven months ago, rising by 80% from August, according to data from Kpler, a company specializing in trade and energy flow information, Al Arabiya.net reported.According to the data, Saudi Arabia exported approximately 6 million barrels per day in September, bringing its crude shipments back to levels approaching the monthly average recorded in 2025.The increase in exports came despite the Kingdom’s precautionary closure of the East-West oil pipeline this month. Saudi Arabia redirected part of its oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz following the opening of a shipping lane by the US military along the Omani coast.Kpler data showed that average oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz over seven days stood at approximately 13.2 million barrels per day through last Wednesday, compared with around 17 million barrels per day before the war disrupted shipping.Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser confirmed last week that the company has the operational flexibility and logistical capabilities to meet its commitments to customers even amid geopolitical turmoil. He noted that Aramco continues to explore additional export routes and expand its storage capacity outside the Kingdom to ensure uninterrupted supplies to global markets.In an interview with Nikkei Asia, Nasser added that the East-West pipeline project is not a single line but a multi-phase system that provides significant flexibility in transporting crude oil and petroleum products. He emphasized that the company is capable of withstanding and managing severe disruptions, thanks to its advanced infrastructure and operational expertise.He explained that Aramco is also evaluating opportunities to expand its overseas storage capacity, further strengthening its ability to meet global demand and maintain reliable supplies under various circumstances.